Are Highways Safer Than City Streets?
Are highways safer than roads? Most people believe that highways are more dangerous due to high speeds, but the numbers tell a different story. City streets might be more hazardous than you think, since more than 50% of crashes that cause deaths and injuries in the United States happen at intersections.
The numbers become even more interesting as we look closer. Urban interstates saw only 0.54 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, while local urban streets had 1.32 deaths. This big difference exists in part because highways don't have intersections - traffic lanes never cross.
On top of that, it turns out 71% of rural crash deaths happened on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher, while urban areas saw more intersection fatalities at 32% of crash deaths. These statistics could help your case if you need to ask a car accident attorney about your road accident injuries.
Why Highways Are Structurally Safer
Highways have specific design features that make them statistically safer than other roads. Each lane spans 12 feet according to federal standards. This extra space allows drivers to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
The median barriers play a crucial role in safety. These barriers stop vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic and reduce cross-median crashes by 97%. This design effectively prevents deadly head-on collisions.
Modern guardrails on highways are designed to absorb crash energy and reduce the severity of accidents. When vehicles hit these safety barriers, they redirect the impact. This results in less severe outcomes compared to the hazards they protect against.
Clear and consistent markings on highways help guide traffic smoothly. Research shows wider edge lines make lane boundaries more visible. This feature works exceptionally well to reduce single-vehicle crashes on rural roads.
Highways across the country have built-in safety features like proper lane width and strategic channelization. Drivers naturally adopt safer behaviors due to these design elements without even thinking about it.
Regular highway maintenance keeps roads safe. Inspectors identify and rectify potential problems before they become hazardous. This ensures the streets stay safe for everyone.
Why City Streets Pose More Risk
City streets face unique safety challenges compared to highways. Traffic statistics paint a grim picture. About one-quarter of all traffic deaths and half of all traffic injuries in the United States happen at intersections. The numbers get worse, with over 50% of combined fatal and injury crashes taking place at or near intersection areas.
The danger at intersections comes from multiple traffic streams that cross and turn. These create countless collision opportunities. Poor intersection designs with sharp or wide angles make things worse. Drivers can't see well, and pedestrians must cross longer distances. This flawed design creates confusion for everyone on the road.
Cities are particularly dangerous for people walking and biking. These vulnerable users make up 20% of all traffic deaths. The risk is clear - 82% of pedestrian deaths happened in urban areas in 2020. Red light violations have caused a 15% jump in pedestrian and bicycle deaths at traffic signals.
The way we design streets puts cars first instead of safety. Research reveals an unexpected fact - narrow lanes (9-10 feet) can be safer than 12-foot lanes on city streets where speed limits are 30-35 mph. Streets with wider lanes encourage drivers to speed up. This makes it hard for streets to serve their social purpose and puts non-drivers at risk.
When urban areas spread out, traffic deaths increase. People need to travel longer distances on busy roads that don't connect well. Cars passing each other frequently leads to speed changes that can cause dangerous situations.
What to Know If an Accident Happens
The right steps after an accident can affect your chances to get compensation. People get into accidents on highways and city streets, and each situation has its own factors that determine who's responsible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that urban areas see 56% of all traffic fatalities. These accidents happen everywhere.
Your next steps are vital after any collision. Speed makes the biggest difference between highway and city accidents. Data shows speeding causes 28% of crash deaths in rural areas and 30% in urban areas. You should document everything at the accident scene to build a strong case. Take pictures of road conditions, damage to vehicles, and anything hazardous that might have played a part.
Finding who's at fault means looking at several factors. Highway accidents usually make it easier to figure out fault since cars mostly drive in the same direction at similar speeds. City street accidents get more complicated - multiple people might share the blame.
You should talk to an attorney within days of the accident. Insurance companies care more about profits than helping you recover. They might offer you less money than you deserve. Each location has its own strict deadlines to file claims, and missing them could mean losing compensation entirely. To avoid costly mistakes, drivers should visit ConsumerShield. There you will find car accident laws, filing deadlines, and insurance rules - in plain language. They can also connect you with the best attorneys in this field. Having access to that kind of information can make it easier to protect your rights after a crash.
Conclusion
Research shows highways are safer than city streets, which surprises many people. Higher speeds exist on highways, but their design makes them safer overall. The combination of wide lanes, median barriers, and shock-absorbing guardrails reduces crash impact and stops deadly head-on collisions. City streets tell a different story. Most injury crashes happen at intersections where multiple roads meet.
Street safety becomes even more crucial for people walking or cycling. Urban streets put these vulnerable users at substantial risk because designers often focus on moving cars quickly rather than keeping people safe. Complex intersections and drivers running red lights create dangerous situations that cause crashes.
Your accident location can make a big difference in your case. Cases involving highways usually show clear fault patterns. Urban crashes tend to be more complex because multiple parties could share the blame.
Quick documentation of any crash helps build your case. You should ask a lawyer for help soon after the whole ordeal. Insurance companies look out for their bottom line, not yours. Whatever type of road your accident happens on, knowing these safety differences helps you direct the aftermath better and protect your rights.